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Best Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast: Easy Recipe for Two

herb butter roasted turkey breast - featured image

A cozy, juicy herb butter roasted turkey breast perfect for two, born from a grocery store fluke. This easy recipe delivers golden, flavorful meat with minimal hands-on prep, making any weeknight feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • Optional: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
  3. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Place it on your cutting board with the skin side up.
  4. Gently slide your fingers between the skin and the meat, starting from the top edge, to create a pocket for the herb butter. Be careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and spread it directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  6. Pour the chicken broth (or wine) into your roasting pan. Add the quartered onion to the liquid. Place the turkey breast in the center of the pan, skin side up.
  7. Roast for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Start checking at the 45-minute mark.
  8. About 25 minutes in, baste the turkey by spooning some of the pan juices over it.
  9. Once it hits 155°F, remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  10. After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick, even slices. Spoon some of the pan juices over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step; it ensures juicy meat. Use a meat thermometer for best results. If the skin gets too dark before the turkey is done, tent loosely with foil. Let butter soften naturally for easy spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter turkey breast, roasted turkey for two, easy turkey recipe, juicy turkey breast, weeknight turkey dinner